ABSN or ASN

Published

Hello everyone!

I need some advice on whether I should go forward with an accelerated bachelors program or an associates. Some background: I have a bachelors degree in biology and have been accepted into the accelerated program of Pace University (NYC). My intention is to become a nurse practitioner while owing the least amount of money possible. I've noticed that many nurse practitioner programs accept a bachelors degree from another field and an associates in nursing when applying. I would owe about $60K if I were to do the accelerated route or about 8K if I were to complete the associates degree at a community college (Queensborough Community College). Which route would you guys suggest? Owing that much money scares me so much and sometimes keeps me up at night. At the same time I feel like going to associates route would lead to pretty much no job offers and months of unemployment. Please help!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi there,

I don't have the answer for you, but I'll share my experience. I also have a BA in another field, and am considering becoming an APN. I had a choice between SUNY Downstate (ABSN with very reasonable in-state tuition) and BMCC (ASN program with a nights and weekends option). I chose the latter because I have 2 young kids and would have had to borrow over $30K for childcare ALONE if I went to Downstate. BMCC has allowed me to stay out of debt and see my kids.

I am about to graduate from BMCC. I was considering applying directly to MSN programs, but decided to finish my BSN first because I want to have good job prospects sooner than later, and I want to gain experience and work my way through my MSN if and when the time comes. I'm going to complete my BSN at CUNY SPS (online, with a couple independent studies at clinical sites you select). I should be able to finish in 12 - 18 months because they are more generous with transfer credits than most RN-BSN programs, and I will pay very little out-of-pocket thanks to the low tuition and NYS TAP grants.

Obviously this route takes longer than an ABSN, but I decided it was worth it to me to finish more slowly and stay out of debt because of my family situation. It was also helpful to hold onto my current job while attending the nights and weekends program- because it's hard out there even for BSN grads.

A lot of people will advise you to just do the ABSN because your job prospects will be better- and that might be the right choice for you. But I can tell you that MANY of the students in BMCC's nights and weekends program are second (or third) degree students / career changers who need to save money or hold onto jobs in related fields or fulfill family obligations.

Best of luck with your decision!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Malaz- Do you find that grads from your program are able to find jobs as RNs after graduation, despite not having the BSN? My ASN program is offering an accelerated option where we can take the BSN classes at the same time as our ASN classes, but like you, I was hoping to be able to wait and do them while working my first year as an RN. I also have a previous bachelors... Thank you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That's a good question. I've heard mixed things about this. I will finish my ASN in May and will be starting an online BSN through a SUNY school. I only have to do 30 credits because of my prior BA + additional courses I took over the years, so I am hoping to finish quickly. My advisor at the BSN program says many of her students do find jobs while working toward their BSN- I hope this happens for me!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm in the same boat as you and was struggling with my decision. I've decided I will do my ADN and then complete an RN-BSN program afterwards. If I did the ABSN I would owe more than 60k when it's all said and done but that doesn't guarantee me a job and the last thing I want is to spend a million years paying off my student loans. I'd rather just get my RN and work (even if it's in LTC) while I get my BSN so that way I can have both experience and a BSN. I'm hoping I can complete my bridge program within a year and a half.

Have you made a decision yet?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion